I’m so glad many of you enjoyed my last post about easy Trader Joe’s meal prep meals. It was a fun one to write, and I’ve actually got another one planned to get out hopefully this week!

But today, let’s switch gears and talk about another one of my favorite topics — healthy skin care.

Now, I 100% believe that healthy skin *starts* with what we’re putting into our body. The water we drink (and the amount,) the vitamins and nutrients we’re consuming, and limiting the toxic stuff — alcohol, refined carb and sugars, etc.

However, a few solid, helpful, staple skincare products can also really make a difference.

A little more than a year ago I used my first beautycounter product — their sunscreen. I was on my babymoon in San Diego, and borrowed some on a beach, and was amazed that:

a) it smelled good
b) it applied clear, and
c) ….wait — it was all natural?!

So I immediately went home and ordered some. If you try anything from beautycounter, the sunscreen will never be a bad choice.

Fast forward a few months, and after Aria was born, I really wanted to use as few toxic products as possible. I’ve switched to essential oils instead of candles, EO’s and natural cleaning products, and — overhauled my skincare and make up.

Since I already trusted beautycounter and know they use all natural, non toxic ingredients *and* packaging, I little by little, started swapping out my regular products for it. I And at one point, I actually decided to become a consultant, because of the sweet discount you get — and the sign up package had most everything I wanted to try.

While I haven’t tried ev-er-y-thing, I have tried a lot. So, I thought I’d share with you my honest opinion of the hits and misses.

First up — the faves.

1. Dew Skin.

I use this product every. single. day. It’s an all natural sunscreen with just a tint of foundation. It’s very light coverage, and I almost think of it as like it just kind of “blurs” your skin — if that makes sense. I don’t use it on date nights, but I do use it on my face for every day. It’s also very hydrating and makes my skin feel SO good. This, the mascara, and concealer are my face’s “daily uniform.”

2. Lengthening Mascara.

Ok, so this one is weird, because it’s on my favorites, but also my least favorites. Don’t expect to buy this mascara and have it be the only one you need. It does NOT apply heavy, but rather super light, and just gives your lashes a little color and boost. It truly is the no make up make up mascara. I wear it for my everyday look — as I mentioned above, every day. I have blonde lashes, and this does the trick for my eyes to look super duper natural, but still stand out a bit. But don’t expect it to make your lashes stand out.

3. Cleansing Balm.

Another holy grail.

I flipping love this stuff. It melts on your face, taking off all of your make up, and then using a warm wet wash cloth, it comes right off — along with the rest of the gunk on your face. It’s also super moisturizing, which is very important to me, living in the arid climate of Colorado. I love this stuff, and it lasts such a long time. I’ve been using the same container for months.

4. Vitamin C Brightening Oil.

I use this stuff every single morning, and it’s another holy grail. Previously I’d been using Obagi and this stuff is much less expensive than Obagi but does just as good of a job. I have quite a few freckles, and applying this oil in the morning –while not a sunscreen — helps protect my skin and lighten up any freckles or dark spots.

5.  Charcoal Cleansing Bar

At first I wasn’t sure about this product, but now I LOVE how it makes my skin feel. I use it 2-3 times a week. Sometimes after I use the beauty balm cleanser, I’ll use this bar afterward to help absorb impurities and detoxify the skin. I just keep it in the shower, and then whenever I wash my face in the shower, I use it.

6. Rejuvenating Night Cream

I use countermatch moisturizer for the daytime (and love that, too!) but this makes my skin feel SO hydrated before bed. I love it.

Ok! There are more products I really like (the setting powder, countermatch, hydrating foundation, etc.) but we’ll stop here with the holy grails. Now, onto the products by which I was underwhelmed.

Beautycounter -Least- Favorites

1. Charcoal Mask

To be honest, I’m not a fan of any charcoal masks, but this one can just join the group. It, like all the others, leaves my skin feeling tight and dry. I’ve used it once, and am not a fan. I will probably give it to a friend who has less dry skin than I do.

2. Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum

I’ve never been sold on serums. I think the difference makers when it comes to skin (and all natural products) is a GOOD vitamin C serum (see above,) a gentle cleansing routine, and a good moisturizer. Maybe AHA/BHA. I don’t buy the hype with other serums. This one, while it smells good, feels like it doesn’t do much for my skin.

3. The Lengthening Mascara

IF your goal is BIG, long, fake-ish looking lashes, this is not your mascara. As I mentioned above, it’s amazing for all natural looking lashes.

And that’s it! There are a few products I’ve yet to try, like the body cream and a few others, but am planning on placing another order in a few weeks once I need to re-order the night cream.

I’d love to know: have you made the switch to all natural products for any of your routine? If you already use beautycounter, what’s your favorite product? (AKA, tell me what I should try next! ;-))